Drink metering and indicating device from a beverage bottle

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a device for metering and indicating individual drinks dispensed from a beverage bottle comprising a housing having an inlet and an outlet, a U-shaped member carrying valves for said inlet and outlet activatable by an operating shaft through pin means sliding in the U-shaped portion, means for releasably locking an operating cover to said operating shaft, ratchet means for indexing a numbering wheel, and locking means for preventing unauthorized removal of the device from the neck of a bottle.

United States Patent [72] Inventor Frank L. Wemely 360 W. 45thSt., New York, N.Y. 10036 [21 Appl. No. 839,291

July 7, 1969 Aug. 10, 1971 [54] DRINK METERING AND INDICATING DEVICE FROM A BEVERAGE BOTTLE V 9 Claims, 34 Drawing Figs.

[52] US. Cl 222/38 [51] Int. Cl. B67d 5/22 (50] Field of Search 222/36, 38, 67,153, 442,147,189, 335, 449, 453; 74/42, 44, 55; 235/94 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,116,966 5/1938 Barlow 222/36 X 2,504,145 4/1950 Morrone 222/38 3,164,300 1/1965 Dousette 3,348,736 10/1967 Davies OTHER REFERENCES Handbook Encyclopedia Of Engineering Industrial Press, N.Y.C., 1928 Page 946 Primary Examiner Robert B. Reeves Assistant Exam iner- Larry Martin Arromeyward, McElhannon, Brooks & Fitzpatrick ABSTRACT: This invention relates to a device for metering and indicating individual drinks dispensed from a beverage bottle comprising a housing having an inlet and an outlet, a U- shaped member carrying valves for said inlet and outlet activatable by an operating shaft through pin means sliding in the U-shaped portion, means for releasably locking an operating cover to said operating shaft, ratchet means for indexing a numbering wheel, and locking means for preventing unauthorized removal of the device from the neck of a bottle.

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P/VEVS DRINK METERING AND INDICATING DEVICE FROM A BEVERAGE BOTTLE This invention relates to a device for metering and indicating individual drinks poured from a beverage bottle, and for direct positive pinpoint control of the contents of each individual bottle by itself. The device is adapted to be secured to the neck of the bottle and to receive liquid therefrom. It measures a predetermined amount of liquid corresponding to the desired drink which may be poured from the discharge spout, and each successive drink is indicated on a visible index.

It is a primary object of this invention to provide a device which will win the approval and acceptance of the general public as well as the bar operator.

While only a comparative few of the many different types of devices for metering and indicating individual drinks dispensed from a beverage bottle have been successfully used heretofore, it is important to note that acceptance was, and still is, confined to a very narrow segment of the hard beverage industry at the retail level. My contribution to the art is a new and improved device both in concept and design, which is an improvement over such prior art devices, as will become apparent as the description proceeds.

It is known that in the dispensing of drinks from bottles at bars and like places where said drinks are dispensed, it is desirable to assure that the required number of drinks are dispensed from a given bottle and then a record be kept of the number of drinks thus dispensed. It is likewise desirable that the device be secured to the bottle so that it may not be removed except by an authorized person, and likewise that the mechanism for recording the number of drinks dispensed may not be tampered with by an unauthorized person. It is also desirable that positive valve closing and opening means be provided for the introduction of liquid into the measuring reservoir and for controlling the discharge of said liquid from the reservoir through the pouring spout at the time the inlet valve is positively closed. It is also desirable to prevent the pouring of liquid from the discharge spout until the device has been manually manipulated by the operator. Moreover, it is desirable to provide a device which meets the requirements of the medical profession as well as governmental agencies and which is substantially leakproof.

It is the purpose of this invention to provide a device comprising the above-desired structural and operative features.

Briefly, my invention contemplates the provision of a new and improved device for metering and indicating individual drinks dispensed from a beverage bottle including a housing having a liquid chamber with an inlet and an outlet. An activating arm is mounted in the chamber having a first arm segment carrying an intake valve arranged for sealing engagement with the inlet and having a second arm segment carrying an outlet valve adapted for sealing engagement with the outlet, said activating arm having a U-shaped medial segment. A centrally disposed operating shaft is employed and means are provided for mounting a pin for sliding movement in the U- shaped portion of the activating arm for urging the activating arm in one direction to close the inlet and open the outlet, and for urging the activating arm in the opposite direction to open the inlet and close the outlet. In one form of my invention the operating shaft extends outwardly of the housing and has an indenture thereon, and an operating cover is provided. The operating cover is provided with a keyway so that a key may be inserted for unlocking the operating cover with respect to the operating shaft. Additionally, according to my invention, I provide gear means rotatably mounted on the housing, a ratchet pivotally attached to the operating shaft and being engageable with the teeth of the gear means to index the gear means a partial revolution in one direction when the operating shaft is rotated, and to ratchet over said gear means in the opposite direction without rotating said gear means. A numbering wheel is provided having a series of consecutive numbers on the periphery thereof, and having internal gear teeth engageable with the gear means for indexing the wheel when the gear means is indexed a partial revolution.

In addition, according to one form of my invention, clamping means are provided for locking the device in place on a beverage bottle comprising a clamping housing, fastening means for interconnecting the clamping housing to the neck of the bottle, a locking cover hingedly mounted on the clamping housing for covering said fastening means. Key-operating means are provided for opening the locking cover.

Moreover, according to one form of my invention, air vent means are provided for expediting the flow of fluid from the bottle into the chamber. The vent means includes a tube extending from within the bottle through a fitting in the intake valve. A passageway is provided in the housing leading to the atmosphere from the fitting.

There has thus been outlined rather broadly the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter which will form the subject of the claims appended hereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception on which this disclosure is based may be readily utilized as the basis for the designing of other structures for carrying out the several purposes of my invention. It is important, therefore, that this disclosure be regarded as including such equivalent constructions as do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention.

One embodiment of the invention is chosen for purposes of illustration and description, and is shown in the accompanying drawings, forming a part ofthe specification, wherein:

FIG. I is a perspective view of an application of the device of my invention to a neck ofa bottle;

FIG. 2 is an inverted perspective view of the bottle in pouring position;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, partial perspective view of the means for locking the device to the bottle;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a lug which is secured to the neck of the bottle;

FIG. 5 is an opened-up enlarged perspective view of the means described in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged vertical section taken along the line indicated at 6-6 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6A is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line indicated at 6A-6A of FIG. 6;

FIG. 6B is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line indicated at 68-68 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 6C is an enlarged perspective view showing details of the locking means for retaining the device on the neck of a bottle;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged vertical section taken along the line indicated at 7-7 in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view showing a locking mechanism for an operating shaft;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view ofthe front cover and travel-limiting member of the mechanism of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of the key means for operating the locking mechanism of FIG. 8;

FIG. II is an enlarged perspective view of the direct cover plate for the indexing mechanism;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged sectional view showing the indexing mechanism. taken along the line indicated at 12-12 in FIG. 6;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of mechanism shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line indicated at 14-14 in FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary perspective view of the numbered wheel according to my invention;

FIG. 16 is a further detailed perspective view of part of the numbered wheel;

FIG. 17 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view of the operating cover including the transparent segment;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line indicated at 18-18 in FIG. 12;

FIG. 19 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line indicated at 19-19 in FIG. 17;

FIGS. 20-24 are a sequential series of longitudinal, medial sectional views of the intake and outlet valving mechanism;

FIG. 25 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the valve in its position, as shown in FIG. 20;

FIG. 26 is an enlarged perspective view showing the valve and its related operating shaft;

FIG. 27 is a plan view partially in section ofa group of three different sized spacing plugs for regulating the quantity of fluid to be dispensed;

FIG. 28 is a plan view of still another spacing plug for regulating the quantity of fluid to be dispensed;

FIG. 29 is a side elevation of the spacing plug of FIG. 28;

FIG. 30 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line 30-30 of FIG. 6 showing the means for retaining the pouring spout sleeve; and

FIG. 31 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line 31-31 of FIG. 30.

Referring more particularly to FIG. 1, a casing or housing is designated generally as A and a bottle to which it is attached is designated in general as B, a clamping means for locking the device in place on the bottle is designated in general as C. The casing or housing member A comprises a Iiquid-type reservoir or chamber 10, FIG. 6. At least one of the walls of the chamber, such as wall 12, FIG. 2, is sufficiently transparent in the curved area in line with the eye that the operator can ascertain whether or not the chamber is filled with liquid. The volume of the chamber 10 determines the volume of each drink dispensed, and this volume may be changed by means of inserting a spacing plug 14 of any preselected volume into the chamber. For example, spacing plugs 14 or 14 or 14', FIG. 27, may be used or spacing plug 14", FIGS. 28 and 29, may be employed, if desired. It will be appreciated that the wall of the plugs 14' and 14" are angularly disposed as at 15' and 15" respectively to facilitate the rapid flow off ofthe fluid from the chamber 10.

As best seen in FIG. 6, the chamber 10 is provided with an intake opening or bore 16, and an outlet opening or discharge bore 18, the outlet bore serving as a pouring spout. An activating arm indicated generally at is mounted in said chamber. This arm includes a first arm segment 22 carrying an intake valve 24 which is adapted for sealing engagement with the intake bore 16, as by means of an O-ring 17, and a second arm segment 26 carrying an outlet valve 28 which is adapted for sealing engagement with the outlet bore as by means of an O- ring 19. The intake valve 24 is provided with fingers 30 and the outlet valve 28 is provided with fingers 32 for guiding the valves in the intake and outlet bores, respectively.

The activating arm 20, as best seen in FIG. 26, is provided with a medial segment 34 having a U-shaped portion with a longitudinally extending medial slot 36. A centrally disposed operating shaft 38 is provided which has a circular disk 40 fixedly attached thereto, as at 42. The circular disk 40 is adapted to move in the slot 36 and it carries a transversely disposed pin 44 fixedly attached thereto, as at 46, which slides in the U- shaped portion of the medial segment 34, whereby rotational movement of the operating shaft in one direction opens the intake valve and closes the outlet valve and rotational movement ofthe operating shaft in the opposite direction closes the intake valve and opens the outlet valve.

In operation, the operator picks up the bottle B in its upright position as seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, and he then inverts the bottle in its position as seen in FIGS. 2 and 20. At this time, the intake valve 24 is in its open position and the outlet valve 28 is in its closed position so that the liquid to be dispensed passes from the bottle into the chamber 10, this chamber being provided with a transparent wall so that the operator will know when the chamber is completely filled. The volume of the chamber at this time serves to measure the quantity of liquid in a single drink. Then, the operator rotates the operating shaft 38, in a clockwise direction as viewed in FIGS. 20-24, so that the intake and outlet valves move from their positions as seen in FIG. 20 to their positions as seen in FIG. 21, the intake valve 24 sealing the intake bore 16. Continued rotation of the operating shaft 38, in a clockwise direction, as viewed in FIGS. 20-24, moves the valves from their positions as seen in FIG. 21, to their positions as seen in FIG. 22, wherein both valves are in sealed relationship with respect to their bores, respectively. Continued clockwise rotation of the operating shaft as viewed in FIGS. 20-24 serves to move the valves from their positions as seen in FIG. 22 to their positions as seen in FIG. 23, wherein the intake valve 24 is in sealed relationship with respect to its bore 16 and the outlet valve 28 is still in sealed relationship with respect to its bore. Still further rotation of the operating shaft 38 in a clockwise direction as viewed in FIGS. 20-24 serves to move the valves to their positions as seen in FIG. 24 wherein the intake valve 24 is in sealed relationship with respect to the inlet bore 16 and the outlet valve 28 is in its fully open position so that the liquid being dispensed passes out through the discharge bore or discharge spout to a container or glass 48. After the chamber has been emptied, the operator rotates the operating shaft 38 in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in FIGS. 20-24 until it reaches its initial position, as seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, and then turns the bottle to its upright position.

As best seen in FIG. 6, the inside end of the operating shaft 38 is mounted for rotation in a bore in the spacing plug 14. The shaft 38 is provided with an annular slot 52 which receives a slotted ring 54 for purposes of preventing the shaft from being accidentally withdrawn from the housing A. An 0- ring 55 serves to seal the shaft 38 with respect to the housing A. The outside end of the operating shaft 38, as best seen in FIG. 26, is provided with four flat sides 58, one side having an indenture 60. An operating cover 62 is provided which carries a housing structure 64 fixedly attached to the inside thereof, as seen in FIG. 6, for purposes of releasably locking the operating cover 62 to the operating shaft 38. As best seen in FIG. 8 an arm member 210 is pivotally mounted on the housing 64, as at 211 and 212. The arm member has an inward and partially upward semicircular projectory. A medially disposed locking segment 213 extends from the foremost portion of the arm member 210 and is extendible into the indenture of the operating shaft, as seen in FIG. 6. Portions 214 and 215 of a wire spring are looped over the pivotal portions of the pivotal arm member 210, FIG. 8. As seen in FIG. 6, one portion 216 of the spring engages the arm member 210 and a second portion 217 of the spring engages a locking housing cover 218, thereby to urge the locking segment 213 into the indenture 60 in the operating shaft 38. The locking housing cover 218 is best seen in FIG. 9. A bar member 219 is mounted adjacent the operating cover 62, FIG. 6, and carries a travel-limiting member 220 which serves to prevent the locking segment 213 from rotating too far, when the operating cover 62 together with the housing structure 64 are removed from the operating shaft 38.

As best seen in FIG. 10, an automatic spring retractable slide member or key, indicated generally at 221, comprises a two-piece casing 222, a finger-actuating portion 223 fixedly connected to a connecting portion 224 which, in turn, is fixedly connected to an engaging portion 225. Spring 226 mounted between the connecting portion 224 and the casing 222 serves to retain the engaging portion 225 in its retracted position. When it is desired to remove the operating cover 62 from the operating shaft 38, the retractable slide member 221 is inserted through keyway 63 and positioned flush with respect to the cover 62, as seen in FIG. 6. The finger-actuating portion 223 is depressed, thereby extending the engaging portion 225 to its position as indicated by the broken lines in FIG. 10 to thereby engage a tab 227 depending from the arm member 210 to rotate and disengage the locking segment 213 with respect to the operating shaft 38.

The device according to my invention embodies numbering means for indicating the number of individual drinks dispensed from the bottle B. As best seen in FIGS. 12 and 13, the numbering means comprises a lower gearwheel 78 having pointed teeth 80 and an upper gearwheel'82 having flattened teeth 84. The two gearwheels are pinned together as by means of pin 86 and they are mounted for rotation on a post 87 on the housing A. A ratchet holder 88 is mounted on the flat portion of the operating shaft 38, FIGS. 12-14, for rotation therewith, and a ratchet 90 is pivotally attached thereto, as at 92. The ratchet has a tapered knifelike edge 94 which engages the teeth 80 of the gearwheel 78 and it also has an arm 91 which engages the ratchet holder 88 when it is in its driving position. When the ratchet 90 is rotated in a clockwise direction, it rotates the gearwheel in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in FIGS. 12 and 13, and when the ratchet is rotated in a counterclockwise direction, it is adapted to resiliently slip over the teeth 80 without rotating the gearwheel 78, due to the action of spring member 96 provided for the purpose. A pawl 98 is mounted on a peg 100 which in turn is fixedly mounted on the housing A, FIG. 13. A spring 102 serves to urge the pawl into resilient engagement with the teeth 80 of the gearwheel 78, thereby allowing the gearwheel to rotate in a counterclockwise direction, but preventing it from rotating in a clockwise direction, as viewed in FIGS. 12 and 13. It will be appreciated that the pawl 98 acts like a brake for the gearwheel 78, as well as preventing reverse or clockwise rotation thereof. A diverting element 104 is fixedly attached to the housing A in a position between the ratchet 90 and the pawl 98 to prevent the possibility of contact by the edge of'the ratchet 90, when moving in a clockwise direction as seen in FIG. 13, with the back edge of the teeth 80 of the g'earwheel 78.

Referring to FIG. 13, the numbers mm designate the sequenceof positions of the operating shaft 38 and the ratchet 90. These numerals correspond to the sequenceof intake and outlet valve positions as seen inFIGS. 20, 21,22, 23 and 24 respectively. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that for one dispensing cycle of the valves, the operating shaft 38 and the ratchet 90 each move from position (Dthrough the series of positions to positions); and thence they are reset to each positionmagain. This movement serves to index the gears 78 and 82 one segment ofa revolution.

A numbering wheel 106 (FIGS. 12-18) having an equally spaced consecutive series of numbers 108 (FIGS. 15, 16) on the periphery thereof, is used to indicate to the operator the number of drinks dispensed. This wheel has internal gear teeth 110, which mesh with gear teeth 84 of the upper gearwheel 82, thereby indexing the numbering wheel 106 one segment (one number) .for each indexing of the gears 78 and 82. As best seen in FIGS. 6, 11 and 14, a direct cover plate 109 serves to cover the numbering assembly. This plate has an outside surface 105, FIG. 11, upon which the numbering wheel 106 rides and a cutout portion 107, FIG. 11, in which the gear means are mounted. The plate 109 is provided with an aperture 200, FIG. 11, through which operating shaft 38, FIG. 6, passes and with an aperture 201, FIG. 11, in which peg 100, FIG. 13, is mounted and with an aperture 202, FIG. 11, under which post 87, FIG. 14, is mounted. A direct base 111, FIGS. 6 and 14, serves as the inside closure wall for the numbering assembly. The plate 109 is connected to the direct base 111 as by means of screws 203, FIGS. 6 and 14, which pass through apertures 204, FIG. 11.

As best seen in FIGS. and 16, a stop post 112 is suitable attached to the periphery of the numbering wheel 106 immediately following the last numeral in the sequence which may be number 37, for example. A stop element 114 is mounted on the direct base 111 over the housing A for pivotal movement between a down position and an up position. When it is in its down position it is engageable with the stop post 112. That is, the stop element 114 is normally placed in its down position and the numbering wheel 106 is sequentially rotated until the last number appears and at this time the stop post 112 engages the stop element 114, thereby preventing further movement. When it is desired to reset the device for dispensing a new series of drinks, the operator (authorized to perform the function) removes the operating cover 62 by means of the key 221, and moves the stop element 114 to its upper position so that the numbering wheel can be moved or positioned to where the zero registers, and then the operator returns the stop element 114 to its down position where it will eventually again engage the stop pin 112. Thereafter, the operating cover 62 is returned to its closed position where it again engages the operating shaft 38.

Referring to FIGS. 12, 17, 18 and 19, a clear transparent segment 118 is mounted in the operating cover 62 so that the operator can visually observe the numerals 108 on the numbering wheel 106, thereby providing the operator with a clear indication at all times of how many drinks have been dispensed from the bottle. The segment is of such asiae that only one numeral is visible at a time, including the starting zero. I

Reverting to FIG. 1, the device is split along a parting line indicated at 120 for the purpose of applyingor removing it from a bottle B. The pouring spout portion of the housing A is -'held together by a slightly tapered sleeve 122 which is closely fitted over and around the full length of the pouring spout. The sleeve 122 is retained in position by an extension 124, FIGS. 30 and 31, and extends from the enlarged end of the tapered sleeve 122 down inside the housing A and is anchored to the housing under the plate 111, FIG. 31, as by means of screw 126 provided for the purpose. The head of the screw 126 tits in an aperture 127 in plate 111. As best seen in FIG. 1, the fluid chamber portion of the housing A is held together by means of screws 128, FIG. 7, in flanges 130, and the liquid intake portion of the housing is held together by screws 132, FIGS. 6 and 7, in flanges 134. It will also be appreciated that the direct base 111, FIG. 6, is mounted on the housing A by means of the two flat top screws 128, FIG. 7, which extend through the direct base and into the flange 130 of the housing A until the head of each screw is flush with respect to the outside surface of the direct base.

Referring in particular to FIGS. 1, 2, 6 and 7, the clamping means for locking the device in place on the bottle Bincludes a clamping housing 136 and a centering and retaining member 138, FIGS. 6 and 7, mounted thereon, as'at 140, for engaging the neck of the bottle, as at 142. Interposed between'the retaining member 138 and the housing 136 is an insulating member 144 fabricated from cork, for example. For purposes of removably attaching the housing 136 to the bottle, a lug 146, FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, is mounted on the bottle. .This lug may be in the form of a glass protuberance or collar formed in and encircling the neck of the bottle, if desired. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the lug is attached to the mounting element 148, FIGS. 4 and 5, which encircles the neck of the bottle and to a temporary strip of loose fabric or the like, which extends up to the mouth of the neck. The holding strip is fabricated from a material which is easily detached. It merely serves to determine the placement of the lug 146 with respect to the bottle neck. The mounting element 148 is. fabricated from an all purpose plastic tape having adhesive on the underside thereof. This tape is wound around the bottle neck several times on alternate sides of the lug 146. The lug 146 of hard rubber, plastic or the like, has adhesive on the underside thereof and is provided with a bore 152 for receiving a screw 154, FIGS. 3 and 6, which passes through a tapped hole 155, FIG. 6, in the housing 136 to secure the housing to the neck of the bottle. In order to prevent the unauthorized removal of the screw 154 and thereby the removal of the device from the bottle, locking means are employed which comprise a locking cover 228, FIG. 6, hingedly mounted, as by means of a pin 229, on a removably interiorly threaded ring clamp 230 encircling the housing 136. As best seen in FIGS. 3 and 6C, a pair of supporting posts 231 and 232 are fixedly mounted in the locking cover 228 as at 233, 234 and 235, 236, respectively. Locking segment supports 237 and 238 are pivotally mounted on the posts 231 and 232 as at 239, 240, and 241, 242, respectively. The locking segment supports 237 and 238 carry locking segments 243 and 244, respectively. A spring member 245 acts between the cover 228, FIG. 6A and the locking segment 243, and spring 246 acts between the cover 228 and the locking segment 244. As best seen in FIG. 3, the head of the locking screw 154 is provided with locking portions 247. The springs serve to urge the locking segments towards each other and when inserted over the head of the locking screw they urge them into engagement with the locking portions 247, thereby preventing rotation of the screw and removal of the locking cover 228.

In order to remove the cover 228, FIG. 6B, from the locking screw 154, a key 248, having a shoulder 249 and a flange 250, is employed. The key is positioned through a keyhole 251 and into a slot 252 between key drops 253, thereby spreading the supports 237 and 238 to open the locking segment 243 and 244 to release the head of the locking screw 154. The flange 250 of the key and the keyhole 251 have mating S-shaped configuration to prevent the insertion of an unauthorized key.

In operation, after the device has been positioned on the top of a bottle, the locking screw 154 is screwed into the lug 146 and the head thereof is positioned in vertical alignment, as seen in FIG. 3. The cover 228 is then rotated from its position as seen in FIG. 3 to its position as seen in FIG. 1, so that the locking segments 243 and 244 grip the locking portions 247 of the locking screw, thereby effectively locking the device onto the top of the bottle. When it is desired to remove the device from the bottle, a key 248 is employed. This key is slipped through the keyhole 251, FIG. 6B, and passed between the key drops 243 and then turned so that the flange 250 spreads the supports 237 and 238 a distance sufficient to release the head of the locking screw 154 from the locking segments 243 and 244. The cover 228 may then be rotated to its position as seen in FIG. 3, and the locking screw 154 can be removed from the lug. The device can then be lifted from the bottle.

For purposes of expediting the flow of fluid from the bottle into the chamber 10, air vent means are employed which comprise a tube 178, FIG. 2, extending from within the bottle, toward the bottom thereof, through a fitting 180, FIGS. 25, to a broad tooth 23 in the intake valve 24. The portion of the tube 178 in the bottle is of spiral configuration. This fitting connects as at 183 to a passageway 184 in the housing 136, and the passageway 184 leads to the atmosphere as at 186, FIG. 7, under the bottom of the housing to allow air to enter, but to prevent dirt or other foreign matter from entering the device and to prevent possible pilferage of the liquid contents. It will be appreciated that the passageway 184 is located on the parting line 120 to facilitate fabrication. In addition, the actuating arm 20 has a passageway 188, FIGS. 20--24, which when the arm is in its position as seen in FIG. 24, serves to vent the chamber 10 to the atmosphere through the passageway 184. This serves to expedite the flow of fluid from the chamber 10 into the drink glass or other container 48.

It will thus be seen that the present invention does indeed provide an improved device for metering and indicating in dividual drinks poured from a beverage bottle which is superior in simplicity, economy and efficiency as compared to prior art such devices.

Although a particular embodiment of the invention is herein disclosed for purposes of explanation, various modifications thereof, after study of this specification, will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains.

What I claim and desire to be secured by Letters Patent is:

l. A device for metering and indicating individual drinks dispensed from a beverage bottle comprising a housing having a liquid chamber, said housing having an inlet and an outlet, valve means for selectively opening and closing said inlet and outlet, an operating shaft for operating said valve means, said operating shaft extending outwardly of said housing, gear means rotatably mounted on said housing, a ratchet pivotally attached to said operating shaft and being engageable with the teeth of said gear means to index said gear means a partial revolution in one direction when said operating shaft is rotated, and to ratchet over said gear means in the opposite direction without rotating said gear means, a numbering wheel having a series of consecutive numbers on the periphery thereof and having gear teeth on the inside thereofengageable with said gear means for indexing said wheel when said gear means is indexed a partial rotation, an operating cover encasing said numbering wheel, said operating cover having a transparent portion adjacent said numbering wheel for the operator to visualize the number of drinks dispensed, and means interconnecting said operating cover with said operating shaft.

2. A device for metering and indicating individual drinks dispensed from a beverage bottle comprising a housing having a liquid chamber, said housing having an inlet and an outlet, valve means for selectively opening and closing said inlet and outlet, an operating shaft for operating said valve means, said operating shaft extending outwardly of said housing, gear means rotatably mounted on said housing, a ratchet pivotally attached to said operating shaft and being engageable with the teeth of said gear means to index said gear means a partial revolution in one direction when said operating shaft is rotated, and to ratchet over said gear means in the opposite direction without rotating said gear means, a pawl mounted on said housing, spring means urging said pawl into resilient engagement with said gear means to allow rotation of said gearwheel in said one direction but to prevent rotation of said gearwheel in the opposite direction, a numbering wheel having a series of consecutive numbers on the periphery thereof and having gear teeth on the inside thereof engageable with said gear means for indexing said wheel when said gear means is indexed a partial rotation, an operating cover encasing said numbering wheel, said operating cover having a transparent portion adjacent said numbering wheel for the operator to visualize the number of drinks dispensed, and means interconnecting said operating cover with said operating shaft.

3, A device for metering and indicating individual drinks dispensed from a beverage bottle according to claim 2, further comprising a diverting element attached to said housing in a position between the ratchet and the pawl to prevent contact between the edge of the ratchet and the back edge of the gear teeth.

4. A device for metering and indicating individual drinks dispensed from a beverage bottle according to claim 2. further comprising a stop post mounted on the periphery of said numbering wheel between the last numeral and the first numeral thereon, a stop element pivotally mounted on the housing in a position to engage said stop post when said numbering wheel has been sequentially rotated to the last numeral, said stop ele ment being manually releasable to allow said stop post to pass thereby for resetting said device to dispense a new series of drinks.

5. A device for metering and indicating individual drinks dispensed from a beverage bottle comprising a housing having a liquid chamber, said housing having an inlet and an outlet, valve means for selectively opening and closing said inlet and outlet, an operating shaft for operating said valve means, sai operating shaft extending outwardly of said housing, gear means rotatably mounted on said housing, a ratchet holder fixedly mounted on said operating shaft outwardly of said casing, a ratchet pivotally attached to said ratchet holder, said ratchet having a tapered knifelike edge engageable with the teeth of said gear means to index said gear means a partial revolution in one direction when said operating shaft is rotated, and to ratchet over said gear means in the opposite direction without rotating said gear means, a pawl mounted on said housing, spring means urging said pawl into resilient engagement with said gear means to allow rotation of said gearwheel in said one direction but to prevent rotation of said gearwheel in the opposite direction, a diverting element attached to said housing in a position between the ratchet and the pawl to prevent contact between the edge of the ratchet and the back edge of the gear teeth, a numbering wheel having a series of consecutive numbers on the periphery thereof and having gear teeth on the inside thereof engageable with said gear means for indexing said wheel when said gear means is indexed a partial rotation, a stop post mounted on the periphery of said numbering wheel between the last numeral and the first numeral thereon, a stop element pivotally mounted on the housing in a position to engage said stop post when said numbering wheel has been sequentially rotated to the last numeral, said stop element drinks, an operating cover encasing said numbering wheel,

' said operating cover having a transparent portion adjacent said numbering wheel for the operator to visualize the number of drinks dispensed, and means interconnecting said operating cover with said operating shaft.

6. A device for metering and indexing individual drinks dispensed from a beverage bottle comprising a housing having a liquid chamber, said housing having inlet and outlet means, valve means for selectively opening and closing said inlet and outlet, clamping means for locking said device in place on said beverage bottle comprising a clampinghousing, a locking cover pivotally mounted on an interiorly threaded ring clamp encircling said clamping housing, a pair of supporting posts fixedly mounted in said locking cover, locking segment supports pivotally mounted on said posts respectively, locking segments carried by said locking segment supports respectively, spring means acting between said locking cover and said locking segments respectively to urge the locking segments towards each other, a locking screw interconnecting said clamping housing to the neck of said bottle, said locking screw having a locking-portion on the head thereof, said spring means serving to urge the locking segments towards each other and when inserted over the head of the locking screw into engagement with said locking portions, thereby preventing rotation of said locking screw and removal of the locking cover, alkey positionable through a keyhole in said locking cover, key drops mounted in said locking cover for receiving said key, said key drops being mounted on said supports to open the locking segments to release the head of the screw when said key is inserted therein. 7 7. A device for metering and indexing individual drinks dispensed from a beverage bottle comprising a housing having a liquid'chamber, said housing having inlet and outlet means, valve means for selectively opening and closing said inlet and outlet, clamping means for locking said device in place on said beverage bottle comprising a clamping housing, a retaining member mounted within said housing for engaging the neck of said bottle, insulating means interposed between said retaining member and said clamping housing, a mounting element which encircles the neck of said bottle, a holding strip which extends up to the mouth of said neck for positioning said mounting element, a lug having .a bore mounted on said mounting element and said holding strip, a locking cover pivotally mounted on said mounting element, a pair of supporting posts fixedly mounted in said locking cover, locking segment supports pivotally mounted on said posts respectively, locking segments carried by said locking segment supports respectively, spring means acting between said locking cover and said locking segments respectively to urge the locking segments towards each other, a locking screw interconnecting said clamping housing to the neck of said bottle, said locking screw having a locking portion on the head thereof, said spring means serving to urge the locking segments towards each otherwhen inserted over the head of a locking screw into engagement with said locking portions, thereby preventing rotation of said locking screw and removal of the locking cover, a key positionable through a keyhole in said locking cover, key drops mounted in said locking cover for receiving said key, said key drops being mounted on said supports to open the locking segments to release the head of the screw when said key is inserted therein.

8. A device for metering and indicating individual drinks dispensed from a beverage bottle comprising a housing having a liquid chamber, said housing having an inlet and an outlet, an activating arm mounted in said chamber having a first arm segment carrying an intake valve arranged for sealing engagement with the inlet and having a second arm segment carrying an outlet valve adapted for sealin engagementwith the outlet, sald activating arm having a -shaped medial segment, a

centrally disposed operating shaft, a pin, means mounting said pin for sliding movement in said U-shaped portion for urging said activating arm in one direction to close said inlet and open said outlet and for urging said activating arm in the opposite direction to open said inlet and close said outlet, said operating shaft extending outwardly of said housing and having an indenture thereon, an operating cover carrying a second housing, a locking segment mounted in said second housing, spring means engageable with said locking segment to urge said locking segment into said indenture in said operating shaft, said operating cover having a keyway therein, key means for rotating said locking segment out of engagement with said operating shaft for unlocking said operating cover with respect to said operating shaft, said operating shaft being rotatable by rotation of said operating cover when locked thereto, gear means rotatably mounted on said housing, a ratchet pivotally attached to said operating shaft and being engageable with the teeth of said gear means to index said gear means a partial revolution in one direction when said operating shaft is rotated, and to ratchet over said gear means in the opposite direction without rotating said gear means, a num bering wheel having a series of consecutive numbers on the periphery thereof and having gearteeth on the inside thereof engageable with said gear means for indexing said wheel when said gear means is indexed a partial rotation, clamping means for locking said device in place on said beverage bottle comprising a clamping housing, fastening means interconnecting said clamping housing to the neck of said bottle, a locking cover hingedly mounted on said clamping housing for covering said fastening means, key-operated means for opening said locking cover, air vent means for expediting the flow of fluid from said bottle into said chamber comprising a tube extending from within the bottle through a fitting in said intake valve, a passageway in said housing leading to the atmosphere from the fitting, and a passageway in the first arm segment of said activating arm registerable with the passageway in said housing when said outlet valve is in its open position to allow airflow betweenthe atmosphere and said chamber.

9. A device for metering and indicating individual drinks dispensed from a beverage bottle comprising a housing having a liquid chamber, said housing having an inlet and an outlet, valve means for said inlet and outlet, an operating shaft for operating said valve means, said shaft extending outwardly of said housing and having an indenture thereon, an operating cover carrying a second housing, an arm member pivotally mounted on said second housing, a locking segment pivotally mounted on said arm member, spring means for urging said locking segment into said indenture in said operating shaft, a travel-limiting member mounted adjacent said cover for limiting the rotational movement of said locking segment whe. said operating shaft has been removed, said operating cover having a keyway therein, key means for rotating said locking segment out of engagement with said operating shaft for unlocking said operating cover with respect to said operating shaft, said key means including a two-piece casing, a linger-actuating portion, a connecting portion havingone end fixedly attached to said finger-actuating portion, an engaging portion fixedly connected to the other end of said connecting portion, spring means mounted between the connecting portion and the casing serving to retain the engaging portion in its retracted position, said engaging portion being extendible when said finger-actuating portion is depressed, thereby to rotate said locking segment when said key means is inserted in said keyway, said operating shaft being rotatable by rotation of said operating cover when locked thereto by the application of said operating cover over said operating shaft. 

1. A device for metering and indicating individual drinks dispensed from a beverage bottle comprising a housing having a liquid chamber, said housing having an inlet and an outlet, valve means for selectively opening and closing said inlet and outlet, an operating shaft for operating said valve means, said operating shaft extending outwardly of said housing, gear means rotatably mounted on said housing, a ratchet pivotally attached to said operating shaft and being engageable with the teeth of said gear means to index said gear means a partial revolution in one direction when said operating shaft is rotated, and to ratchet over said gear means in the opposite direction without rotating said gear means, a numbering wheel having a series of consecutive numbers on the periphery thereof and having gear teeth on the inside thereof engageable with said gear means for indexing said wheel when said gear means is indexed a partial rotation, an operating cover encasing said numbering wheel, said operating cover having a transparent portion adjacent said numbering wheel for the operator to visualize the number of drinks dispensed, and means interconnecting said operating cover with said operating shaft.
 2. A device for metering and indicating individual drinks dispensed from a beverage bottle comprising a housing having a liquid chamber, said housing having an inlet and an outlet, valve means for selectively opening and closing said inlet and outlet, an operating shaft for operating said valve means, said operating shaft extending outwardly of said housing, gear means rotatably mounted on said housing, a ratChet pivotally attached to said operating shaft and being engageable with the teeth of said gear means to index said gear means a partial revolution in one direction when said operating shaft is rotated, and to ratchet over said gear means in the opposite direction without rotating said gear means, a pawl mounted on said housing, spring means urging said pawl into resilient engagement with said gear means to allow rotation of said gearwheel in said one direction but to prevent rotation of said gearwheel in the opposite direction, a numbering wheel having a series of consecutive numbers on the periphery thereof and having gear teeth on the inside thereof engageable with said gear means for indexing said wheel when said gear means is indexed a partial rotation, an operating cover encasing said numbering wheel, said operating cover having a transparent portion adjacent said numbering wheel for the operator to visualize the number of drinks dispensed, and means interconnecting said operating cover with said operating shaft.
 3. A device for metering and indicating individual drinks dispensed from a beverage bottle according to claim 2, further comprising a diverting element attached to said housing in a position between the ratchet and the pawl to prevent contact between the edge of the ratchet and the back edge of the gear teeth.
 4. A device for metering and indicating individual drinks dispensed from a beverage bottle according to claim 2, further comprising a stop post mounted on the periphery of said numbering wheel between the last numeral and the first numeral thereon, a stop element pivotally mounted on the housing in a position to engage said stop post when said numbering wheel has been sequentially rotated to the last numeral, said stop element being manually releasable to allow said stop post to pass thereby for resetting said device to dispense a new series of drinks.
 5. A device for metering and indicating individual drinks dispensed from a beverage bottle comprising a housing having a liquid chamber, said housing having an inlet and an outlet, valve means for selectively opening and closing said inlet and outlet, an operating shaft for operating said valve means, said operating shaft extending outwardly of said housing, gear means rotatably mounted on said housing, a ratchet holder fixedly mounted on said operating shaft outwardly of said casing, a ratchet pivotally attached to said ratchet holder, said ratchet having a tapered knifelike edge engageable with the teeth of said gear means to index said gear means a partial revolution in one direction when said operating shaft is rotated, and to ratchet over said gear means in the opposite direction without rotating said gear means, a pawl mounted on said housing, spring means urging said pawl into resilient engagement with said gear means to allow rotation of said gearwheel in said one direction but to prevent rotation of said gearwheel in the opposite direction, a diverting element attached to said housing in a position between the ratchet and the pawl to prevent contact between the edge of the ratchet and the back edge of the gear teeth, a numbering wheel having a series of consecutive numbers on the periphery thereof and having gear teeth on the inside thereof engageable with said gear means for indexing said wheel when said gear means is indexed a partial rotation, a stop post mounted on the periphery of said numbering wheel between the last numeral and the first numeral thereon, a stop element pivotally mounted on the housing in a position to engage said stop post when said numbering wheel has been sequentially rotated to the last numeral, said stop element being manually releasable to allow said stop post to pass thereby for resetting said device to dispense a new series of drinks, an operating cover encasing said numbering wheel, said operating cover having a transparent portion adjacent said numbering wheel for the operator to visualize the number of drinks dispensed, and means interconnecting said opeRating cover with said operating shaft.
 6. A device for metering and indexing individual drinks dispensed from a beverage bottle comprising a housing having a liquid chamber, said housing having inlet and outlet means, valve means for selectively opening and closing said inlet and outlet, clamping means for locking said device in place on said beverage bottle comprising a clamping housing, a locking cover pivotally mounted on an interiorly threaded ring clamp encircling said clamping housing, a pair of supporting posts fixedly mounted in said locking cover, locking segment supports pivotally mounted on said posts respectively, locking segments carried by said locking segment supports respectively, spring means acting between said locking cover and said locking segments respectively to urge the locking segments towards each other, a locking screw interconnecting said clamping housing to the neck of said bottle, said locking screw having a locking portion on the head thereof, said spring means serving to urge the locking segments towards each other and when inserted over the head of the locking screw into engagement with said locking portions, thereby preventing rotation of said locking screw and removal of the locking cover, a key positionable through a keyhole in said locking cover, key drops mounted in said locking cover for receiving said key, said key drops being mounted on said supports to open the locking segments to release the head of the screw when said key is inserted therein.
 7. A device for metering and indexing individual drinks dispensed from a beverage bottle comprising a housing having a liquid chamber, said housing having inlet and outlet means, valve means for selectively opening and closing said inlet and outlet, clamping means for locking said device in place on said beverage bottle comprising a clamping housing, a retaining member mounted within said housing for engaging the neck of said bottle, insulating means interposed between said retaining member and said clamping housing, a mounting element which encircles the neck of said bottle, a holding strip which extends up to the mouth of said neck for positioning said mounting element, a lug having a bore mounted on said mounting element and said holding strip, a locking cover pivotally mounted on said mounting element, a pair of supporting posts fixedly mounted in said locking cover, locking segment supports pivotally mounted on said posts respectively, locking segments carried by said locking segment supports respectively, spring means acting between said locking cover and said locking segments respectively to urge the locking segments towards each other, a locking screw interconnecting said clamping housing to the neck of said bottle, said locking screw having a locking portion on the head thereof, said spring means serving to urge the locking segments towards each other when inserted over the head of a locking screw into engagement with said locking portions, thereby preventing rotation of said locking screw and removal of the locking cover, a key positionable through a keyhole in said locking cover, key drops mounted in said locking cover for receiving said key, said key drops being mounted on said supports to open the locking segments to release the head of the screw when said key is inserted therein.
 8. A device for metering and indicating individual drinks dispensed from a beverage bottle comprising a housing having a liquid chamber, said housing having an inlet and an outlet, an activating arm mounted in said chamber having a first arm segment carrying an intake valve arranged for sealing engagement with the inlet and having a second arm segment carrying an outlet valve adapted for sealing engagement with the outlet, said activating arm having a U-shaped medial segment, a centrally disposed operating shaft, a pin, means mounting said pin for sliding movement in said U-shaped portion for urging said activating arm in one direction to close said inlet and open said outlet and for Urging said activating arm in the opposite direction to open said inlet and close said outlet, said operating shaft extending outwardly of said housing and having an indenture thereon, an operating cover carrying a second housing, a locking segment mounted in said second housing, spring means engageable with said locking segment to urge said locking segment into said indenture in said operating shaft, said operating cover having a keyway therein, key means for rotating said locking segment out of engagement with said operating shaft for unlocking said operating cover with respect to said operating shaft, said operating shaft being rotatable by rotation of said operating cover when locked thereto, gear means rotatably mounted on said housing, a ratchet pivotally attached to said operating shaft and being engageable with the teeth of said gear means to index said gear means a partial revolution in one direction when said operating shaft is rotated, and to ratchet over said gear means in the opposite direction without rotating said gear means, a numbering wheel having a series of consecutive numbers on the periphery thereof and having gear teeth on the inside thereof engageable with said gear means for indexing said wheel when said gear means is indexed a partial rotation, clamping means for locking said device in place on said beverage bottle comprising a clamping housing, fastening means interconnecting said clamping housing to the neck of said bottle, a locking cover hingedly mounted on said clamping housing for covering said fastening means, key-operated means for opening said locking cover, air vent means for expediting the flow of fluid from said bottle into said chamber comprising a tube extending from within the bottle through a fitting in said intake valve, a passageway in said housing leading to the atmosphere from the fitting, and a passageway in the first arm segment of said activating arm registerable with the passageway in said housing when said outlet valve is in its open position to allow airflow between the atmosphere and said chamber.
 9. A device for metering and indicating individual drinks dispensed from a beverage bottle comprising a housing having a liquid chamber, said housing having an inlet and an outlet, valve means for said inlet and outlet, an operating shaft for operating said valve means, said shaft extending outwardly of said housing and having an indenture thereon, an operating cover carrying a second housing, an arm member pivotally mounted on said second housing, a locking segment pivotally mounted on said arm member, spring means for urging said locking segment into said indenture in said operating shaft, a travel-limiting member mounted adjacent said cover for limiting the rotational movement of said locking segment when said operating shaft has been removed, said operating cover having a keyway therein, key means for rotating said locking segment out of engagement with said operating shaft for unlocking said operating cover with respect to said operating shaft, said key means including a two-piece casing, a finger-actuating portion, a connecting portion having one end fixedly attached to said finger-actuating portion, an engaging portion fixedly connected to the other end of said connecting portion, spring means mounted between the connecting portion and the casing serving to retain the engaging portion in its retracted position, said engaging portion being extendible when said finger-actuating portion is depressed, thereby to rotate said locking segment when said key means is inserted in said keyway, said operating shaft being rotatable by rotation of said operating cover when locked thereto by the application of said operating cover over said operating shaft. 